Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow, WA
The Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow, Western Australia, uses special fences protect critically endangered native wildlife from introduced predators. The twilight spotlighting tours give visitors a good chance of seeing woylies, possums and quendas.
Childlow in Western Australia isn’t an especially notable spot, although it is surrounded by green spaces. Childlow lies just north of the Perth Hills section Great Eastern Highway as it ploughs relentlessly from Perth to Kalgoorlie.
The town is surrounded by green space, however. The Leschenaultia Conservation Park and John Forrest National Park are to the east, and the Wooroloo Regional Park is to the north west. Head north along the Lilydale Road, however, and you hit something more interesting.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow, WA
The Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow was the first wildlife sanctuary established in what later became the Australia Wildlife Conservancy.
The sanctuary covers 268 hectares, mostly of jarrah forest and marri woodland. But it is surrounded by special fences, which keep out feral predators such as foxes and cats.
This allows critically endangered species, particularly the woylie, to survive and thrive. The Karakamia Sanctuary is home to one of the largest wild woylie populations in Australia.
Native species at Karakamia Sanctuary
There are other native Australian species inside the Karakamia Sanctuary, too. The western ringtail possum, tammar wallaby, common brushtail possum and quenda also live here.
The sanctuary essentially takes the fenced-off land back more than 200 years, before introduced predators were let loose across Western Australia.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
Karamamia Sanctuary tours
Of course, without being able to visit, this is merely heartwarming information. But it is possible to visit the Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow. Every Friday and Saturday evening, the sanctuary hosts twilight guided walks. The walks take place at twilight as that’s when the animals tend to be most active and easiest to spot. Tickets for the Karakamia Sanctuary tours, which use spotlights for better viewings, cost $20. Book in advance on the sanctuary website.
Other spots worth visiting in the Perth Hills include Serpentine Falls in the Serpentine National Park, Mundaring Weir, and the Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale.
More Western Australia travel
The best things to do in Kojonup, WA.
Walk from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock.
The best things to do in Port Kennedy.
Take on the longest straight road in Australia.
Enjoy fine dining and fine wine at Wills Domain in Yallingup.